Car Shipping to Greece - RORO & Container Shipping

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Greece via RoRo and container services to Piraeus Port, with 14-15 days transit and weekly sailings. RoRo starts from £784for a standard car. Since Brexit, UK vehicles entering Greece attract customs duty (6.5%), Greek VAT (24%), and a CO2-based Registration Tax unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal in Greece (drives on the right). We handle all UK export documentation.

From UK to Greece – Reliable Vehicle Shipping Service

Planning to ship your vehicle to Greece? Whether you’re moving permanently, temporarily importing, or transferring residence, navigating the process can seem complex. This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and efficient car shipping experience to Greece from the UK.

RHD Compatible: Greece drives on the right but UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal — no steering conversion required.

Why Ship Your Vehicle to Greece?

Individuals and businesses choose to ship cars to Greece for a variety of compelling reasons:

• Relocation and Expatriation: Many individuals moving to Greece for work, retirement, or to join family members opt to bring their personal vehicle for convenience and familiarity.

• Vehicle Export and Resale: Businesses may export vehicles to Greece where demand or market conditions are favourable.

• Tourism and Extended Stays: Tourists or individuals planning long-term holidays may choose to ship their vehicle to explore Greece and its islands at their own pace.

• Specialty Vehicle Transport: Shipping classic cars, collector’s items, or unique vehicles for events, exhibitions, or personal projects.

• Importing a Purchased Vehicle: Buying a vehicle in the UK and having it shipped to Greece.

What Vehicle Shipping Methods We Offer To Greece

We offer two primary methods for shipping your vehicle to Greece:

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured for transit. This is generally the most cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in fully operational condition and able to be driven onto the ship.

• Restrictions:

  • No personal belongings or other goods are permitted inside the vehicle during shipping.

  • While some shipping lines permit hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles are not allowed on RoRo services.

• Learn More: For more details on this service, please visit our RoRo Shipping page.

2. Container Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is loaded into a dedicated shipping container. This method offers more security and flexibility.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle does not need to be in working order for container shipping.

• Flexibility:

  • Personal belongings can be loaded into the container alongside your vehicle.

  • Both hybrid and electric vehicles can be shipped via container. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295.

• Learn More: Discover more about our container shipping options on our Container Shipping page.

Destination Rules And Regulations

Understanding the rules for different types of import is crucial.

Permanent Export / Transfer of Residence

If you are permanently exporting your car or moving to Greece as part of a transfer of residence, you will need to adhere to specific Greek customs regulations.

• Authority Website: For the most up-to-date information on customs regulations and import procedures for permanent export and transfer of residence, please refer to the Hellenic Customs (AADE – Independent Authority for Public Revenue): AADE – Independent Authority for Public Revenue

Temporary Import

Temporary import allows you to bring your vehicle into Greece for a limited period without paying full import duties and taxes, provided certain conditions are met. This is typically for tourism or specific events.

• Duration: The maximum period for temporary importation without duties is usually 6 months within a 12-month period.

• Requirements: The vehicle must be registered in another country and owned by you or a family member. You will need to provide proof of ownership and registration.

What Post-Brexit Import Duty Applies When Shipping a Car to Greece?

Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, UK-registered vehicles are treated as non-EU imports when entering Greece. Unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief or temporary import rules, the following taxes apply:

• Customs Duty: Typically 6.5% of the vehicle’s CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value

• Greek VAT (ΦΠΑ): 24% on the customs value plus customs duty

• Registration Tax (Τέλος Ταξινόμησης): A Greek-specific tax based on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions and engine capacity. This is paid when registering the vehicle in Greece and can be substantial for larger or higher-emission vehicles

Example calculation:
A UK car with a CIF customs value of £10,000:

• Customs duty (6.5%): £650

• VAT base (£10,650): £2,556

• Total before Registration Tax: approximately £3,206

The Registration Tax (Τέλος Ταξινόμησης) is calculated separately by Greek authorities at the time of registration.

Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption:

If you are permanently relocating to Greece and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months, you may qualify for full exemption from customs duty and VAT. Apply to the Hellenic Customs (AADE) before shipping. See the ToR section above.

Verify current duty rates with AADE at aade.gr — rates and thresholds are subject to change.

Required Documentation for Car Shipping

Accurate paperwork is essential for a smooth process.

Documentation Required in the UK

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C): Proof of your vehicle’s registration in the UK.

2. Proof of Ownership: Bill of Sale or similar document if you have recently purchased the vehicle.

3. Identification: Passport or driving license.

4. Shipping Booking Confirmation: Details of your chosen shipping service.

Documentation Required at the Destination Port (Greece)

1. Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company, this document serves as a receipt for your shipment and a contract of carriage.

2. Import Declaration Form: Completed by you or your customs agent in Greece.

3. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C and Bill of Sale.

4. Identification: Passport.

5. Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief Application (if applicable): If you are moving permanently, you may be eligible for ToR relief, exempting you from duties and taxes. You must apply for this in advance.

6. Temporary Importation Declaration (if applicable): For temporary imports.

7. Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance valid in Greece.

8. Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — issued by the vehicle manufacturer confirming EU type approval. Required by the Greek transport authorities (Υπηρεσία Μεταφορών) for registration. Obtain from the manufacturer’s Greek subsidiary or importer. Allow 2–6 weeks.

Ports of Arrival in Greece

We can ship your vehicle to the following major Greek port:

• Piraeus
• Thessaloniki (Northern Greece): For customers relocating to northern Greece, Thessaloniki Port can be arranged as an alternative arrival destination. Contact our team for current pricing and sailing availability to Thessaloniki.

Registering Your Imported Car in Greece

After customs clearance and duty payment at Piraeus, your vehicle must undergo a KTEO roadworthiness inspection at an approved Greek technical inspection centre before it can be registered. The KTEO inspection assesses safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. Most well-maintained UK vehicles pass without modification. Once KTEO clearance is obtained, registration is completed at the local Regional Authority transport office (Διεύθυνση Μεταφορών). You will need CoC, proof of customs clearance, V5C, and identity documents.

RORO Shipping Rates and Schedule

When shipping via RoRo, costs and schedules can vary based on your vehicle type.

RoRo Rates

• Small Car (e.g., Golf): £784 per vehicle.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £883 per vehicle.

(Please note: These are indicative prices. Actual costs will depend on specific dimensions, current fuel surcharges, and port fees. For a precise quote and container shipping cost, please contact us.)

Transit Time and Frequency

• Estimated Transit Time: Between 14-15 days.

• Frequency: Vessels typically depart weekly from major UK ports to Piraeus, ensuring regular shipping opportunities.

Inspections, Permits, and Fees

Inspections

• Pre-shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory, a condition report is highly recommended, especially for comprehensive insurance. This report documents the vehicle’s condition before shipping.
  • Cost: Free if we collect your vehicle. £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.
• Destination Port Inspections: Greek customs may conduct inspections to verify the vehicle’s details and compliance with regulations.

Permits

• MOT Certificate: For vehicles being collected on trade plates by a driver, a valid UK MOT certificate is required.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): While not always mandatory for car shipping itself, an IDP may be required for driving in Greece, depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Check with the relevant Greek authorities or your embassy.

Duty, Tax, and Costs

The cost of shipping your vehicle to Greece is influenced by several factors.

Duty and Tax

• Permanent Export/Transfer of Residence: If you are moving permanently to Greece, you may be eligible for exemption from import duties and VAT under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme. You must apply for this relief before importing your vehicle. The Hellenic Customs (AADE) website provides details on eligibility and the application process.

• Temporary Import: For temporary imports, duties and taxes are usually suspended, but you will need to complete the relevant temporary importation documentation.

• Standard Import: If not eligible for ToR relief or temporary import, standard Greek import duties and VAT will apply. These are calculated based on the vehicle’s value, age, and engine size.

Cost Breakdown For Car Shipping to Greece

The total cost of shipping your car to Greece includes several components:

• Shipping Fee: Based on the chosen method (RoRo or container), vehicle size, and destination port. For RoRo, this includes fixed prices for small cars and larger vehicles.

• Port Fees: Charges levied by both the UK and Greek ports for handling and berthing.

• Documentation Fees: Costs associated with preparing and processing shipping and customs paperwork.

• Insurance: Varies based on coverage level.

• Cleaning: Some ports may require vehicles to be cleaned to a certain standard before loading.

• Customs Clearance: Fees for customs agents in Greece, if used.

• Collection/Delivery: If you opt for our collection service from your UK address.

• Hazard Surcharge: Applicable for electric vehicles shipped via container (£295).

Please note: All prices will be provided in a separate, detailed quote upon request, consolidating all applicable charges in one place.

Vehicle Collection in the UK

We offer flexible collection options for your vehicle within the UK:

• Transporter: Your vehicle can be collected by our professional transporters and delivered to the port.

• Trade Plate Driver: If your vehicle is fully operational, it can be driven to the port by one of our experienced drivers using trade plates.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

We offer comprehensive insurance options to protect your vehicle during transit.

• Total Loss Cover (1% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers total loss due to fire or water damage.

• Comprehensive Cover (1.5% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers cosmetic damage in addition to total loss.

  • Eligibility: The vehicle must not be older than 10 years for this cover.

  • Condition Report: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover. This is provided free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 will apply for the condition report.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

To ensure a safe and compliant shipment, the following items are generally not allowed to be shipped within or alongside your vehicle:

• Personal Belongings/Goods: In RoRo services, no items are permitted inside the vehicle. For container services, while personal effects can be included, items that are illegal, dangerous, or have high value should not be shipped.

• Hazardous Materials: Flammable substances, explosives, corrosives, or any other hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.

• Perishable Goods: Food, plants, and other items that could spoil.

• Firearms and Ammunition: Unless properly declared and permitted by law.

• Illegal Substances: Drugs or other illicit items.

• High-Value Items: Such as jewelry or important documents, which should be transported separately by the owner.

Restrictions:

• Fuel: Vehicles must have a minimal amount of fuel (typically just enough to drive onto the ship).

• Batteries: For electric vehicles, specific regulations regarding battery state of charge may apply.

Important Links

• How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

• Prepare Your Car for Export

• How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping

• Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Greece

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Greece?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Piraeus starts from £784 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and £883 for a large car (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Piraeus port sea freight only. Post-Brexit import duty (6.5%), Greek VAT (24%), Registration Tax, clearing agent fees, and local port charges are all payable separately in Greece unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief.

Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Greece take?

Transit from the UK to Piraeus takes 14-15 days, with weekly sailings. Including UK collection and Greek customs clearance, allow 3–5 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available in Greece.

Q: Do I pay import duty when shipping my car from the UK to Greece post-Brexit?

Yes, unless you qualify for ToR relief. Since Brexit, UK vehicles entering Greece attract 6.5% customs duty plus 24% Greek VAT on the customs value plus duty. A CO2-based Registration Tax (Τέλος Ταξινόμησης) also applies at the time of Greek registration. If you are permanently relocating to Greece and have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months, you may qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption.

Q: What is the Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption for Greece?

The ToR exemption allows people permanently relocating to Greece to import one personal vehicle free of customs duty and VAT, provided you have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before your relocation. You must apply to Hellenic Customs (AADE) before shipping. The application must be approved before the vehicle arrives in Greece.

Q: What Certificate of Conformity do I need for Greek registration?

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the vehicle manufacturer is required to register a UK car in Greece. This confirms the vehicle meets EU type approval standards. Contact your manufacturer’s Greek subsidiary to obtain it. Allow 2–6 weeks. Without a CoC, Greek registration through the standard KTEO process cannot proceed.

Ship Your Car To Greece With Ship Cars Ltd

For a personalized quote and to discuss your specific shipping needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you with a seamless car shipping experience to Greece. Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide efficient and reliable car shipping services to:

Limassol

Valencia

Pasajes

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